“I sailed through it and more TV jobs followed, as did comments about my ‘distinctive’ voice. No-one had ever taken much notice of me before.”

By summer 1966, the BBC had planned its World Cup coverage down to the tiniest detail. It was a different story at ITV.

“The station realised, very late, that it was missing one vital ingredient – commentators,” said Hugh. “A memo was sent to all the regions, asking for volunteers.

“I tried out on the same day as Barry Davies and we were both offered jobs. I was delighted, yet nervous, because I’d never even commented on a live football match before.

“But I must have impressed during England’s group games because I was given a quarter-final, both the semis and the final.

“When England stepped out against West Germany, I didn’t have a plan. My style was to keep it simple without being patronising. At the end of the match I felt drained but proud.

“But I never got to interview Alf Ramsey or the England lads – that was Eamonn Andrews’ job.”

1966 World Cup Final: England captain Bobby Moore passes the Jules Rimet trophy to his manager Alf Ramsey during celebrations after the match.

A new ITV programme called Star Soccer signed up Hugh after the finals. “It was made by ATV, later Central, in Birmingham,” he recalled. “I drove from Wales twice a week, for 16 years, to commentate on great Midland teams like Wolves, Forest, Villa and Birmingham City.